Understanding Childhood Behaviour

As parents, it’s natural to worry when your child’s behaviour seems out of the ordinary. Childhood is a time of rapid development, and many behaviours, such as mood swings, tantrums, or difficulty focusing, are part of the normal growing process. However, some children’s behaviours may go beyond typical developmental stages and could indicate an underlying condition that requires attention. Conditions such as ADHD, PANS, PANDAS, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are becoming more frequently diagnosed, and while each child’s experience is unique, early identification and intervention can make a difference. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify signs and when to get your child’s behaviour assessed, the influence diet can have on these conditions, and how a holistic, integrative approach to care, including naturopathy, can support your child’s wellbeing.

Signs That Could Indicate an Underlying Issue

While all children will experience behavioural ups and downs, there are certain signs that may suggest something more is going on. It’s important to keep in mind that no single behaviour is definitive of a specific condition; however, patterns that affect your child’s ability to function at home, at school, or socially can be cause for concern.

ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with attention regulation, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in ways that significantly impact their daily life. Signs of ADHD include an inability to sit still, difficulty staying on task, impulsive actions, difficulty with organisation, or excessive talking. These behaviours typically show up at school or during structured activities and may be accompanied by frustration, low self-esteem, or academic difficulties despite being bright and capable.

PANS and PANDAS

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions where a child experiences sudden and dramatic changes in behaviour following an infection, such as strep throat or mould exposure. Common symptoms include sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviours (e.g., handwashing, repetitive thoughts, rituals), tics, extreme anxiety, and even aggressive or erratic mood swings. In many cases, these behavioural changes appear out of nowhere and can be distressing for both the child and their family.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects social communication and behaviour. While children with ASD may display a wide range of symptoms, common signs include difficulty with eye contact, lack of interest in socialising, repetitive movements (like hand-flapping or rocking), strict adherence to routines, and sensory sensitivities (e.g., aversion to certain sounds, textures, or lights). These signs can appear early in a child’s development and often persist over time, impacting both social and academic engagement. It’s important to remember that each child is unique, and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ checklist for conditions like ADHD, PANS, PANDAS, or ASD. However, if your child’s behaviours seem to be causing significant challenges in their daily life, or if you notice a sudden or unusual change, it may be time to seek professional guidance to see if an underlying condition is at play.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Behavioural and Mental Health

Diet and nutrition play a crucial role in the development of a child’s brain and overall health, especially when it comes to conditions like ADHD, PANS, PANDAS, and ASD. Recent research has highlighted the strong link between gut health and mental wellbeing, often referred to as the gut-brain connection. The gut is not only responsible for digesting food but also houses a significant portion of the body's immune system, and it produces neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which regulate mood, behaviour, and sleep. When the gut is out of balance, it can lead to inflammation, immune dysregulation, and disturbances in neurotransmitter production, all of which can impact behaviour.

For children with ADHD or ASD, gut issues such as leaky gut, food sensitivities, and imbalanced microbiota (the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system) are commonly observed. The imbalance can lead to an overactive immune system, inflammation, and even an inability to properly absorb vital nutrients, all of which can exacerbate symptoms. A child with gut issues may experience not only digestive discomfort but also increased anxiety, irritability, or inattention.

Foods That Can Help or Hinder

Certain foods can either worsen or improve behavioural symptoms. Highly processed foods, sugar, artificial colours and preservatives can act as a trigger for some of these conditions, while nutrient-dense foods and anti-inflammatory foods can help to support mood stability and cognitive function. Key nutrients such as omega-3s (found in fish, nuts, seeds and oils), fibre (from fruits, veggies, wholegrains), and protein (from meat, fish, eggs, legumes) play an important role in optimising gut health and brain function, particularly in these conditions.

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Food allergies or sensitivities can also contribute to behavioural changes. Common culprits like gluten, dairy, and soy can lead to inflammation in the body and disrupt gut function, triggering or exacerbating symptoms of ADHD or PANS/PANDAS. Children with these sensitivities might experience a range of symptoms such as mood swings, behavioural outbursts, tummy troubles, fatigue, or heightened anxiety. Identifying and eliminating these foods from the diet can sometimes result in significant improvements.

How Holistic and Integrative Care Can Help

A holistic, integrative approach to care is essential when addressing complex conditions like ADHD, PANS, PANDAS, and ASD. Rather than simply focusing on managing symptoms, this approach aims to identify and address the root causes of the condition, whether they lie in nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, stress, or underlying infections. Integrative care involves collaboration between various health professionals, including GPs, naturopaths, psychologists, and other health professionals, ensuring that the child receives well-rounded support. By focusing on the whole person, this approach recognises that the mind, body, and environment are interconnected, and each factor influences the others. For example, a child’s nutrition, gut health, immune function, mental health, and lifestyle are all interconnected, and addressing just one area without considering the others can limit the effectiveness of treatment.

Not every child with ADHD, PANS, or ASD will respond to treatment in the same way. This is because not every child with these conditions has the same underlying causes or issues exacerbating their symptoms. Therefore, an individualised treatment plan, tailored to address the unique needs of the child, is crucial. This personalised approach is often the most effective way to achieve lasting results.

How Naturopathy Can Help

Naturopathy focuses on assessing your child’s diet to ensure they are meeting their required nutrient intake, as nutritional deficiencies can often be a key driver of symptoms in conditions like ADHD, PANS, PANDAS, and ASD. It also involves evaluating whether there are any triggering foods that may benefit from being removed from the diet.

In addition, lifestyle and stress management techniques play a crucial role in these conditions. Areas such as sleep environment and quality, relaxation techniques, organisation skills, physical activity, creative expression, and managing environmental exposures are all considered.

Supporting the Whole Family

Naturopathy not only supports the child but also takes into account the family’s needs. Family support, stress management for parents, and creating a balanced home environment are integral parts of the healing process.

Herbal and nutritional supplements can also be highly effective in treating underlying imbalances, supporting optimal functioning, and addressing symptoms. Naturopathy can be useful alongside pharmaceutical medications to improve a child’s response to treatment and reduce any side effects. By addressing the body, mind, and environment together, naturopathy aims to support the child’s growth and development in the most comprehensive and gentle way possible.

Ultimately, every child is unique, and a personalised treatment plan that takes into account their individual needs and circumstances is the key to achieving the best possible outcomes. By partnering with health professionals, including naturopaths, you can help to ensure that your child receives the most effective and holistic care available, empowering them to reach their full potential.

If you're interested in exploring how naturopathy could benefit your child, book a free 15-minute discovery call with our naturopath, Taleah, to see if it's the right approach for your family. Book a discovery call with Taleah

Written by Taleah Lockhart (BHSc Naturopathy)

Learn more about our consultations, including fees and health fund rebates.

This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare practitioner before starting new supplements.